Steven Thompson brands Rangers ace Alfredo Morelos as ‘stupid’

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Steven Thompson has told BBC Sportscene that Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was “stupid” to get sent off after the Colombian celebrated his goal in a 2-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday.

Morelos, 23, scored his 27th goal of the season on Sunday as Rangers earned all three points at Fir Park against an in-form Motherwell side. Nikola Katic had given his side the lead in the first half, before Morelos made it two in the second 45.

Despite his goal, it was a somewhat frustrating afternoon for Morelos. Well goalkeeper Mark Gillespie made a number of excellent saves to deny Morelos, while the Colombian was guilty of a number of dodgy tackles.

On a yellow card, Morelos celebrated his goal in front of a section of Motherwell fans who threw things at the striker in reaction. Former Rangers striker Thompson blasted the former HJK Helsinki ace for his actions, branding him as “stupid”.

“You’re saying to yourself, what a great match you’ve had,” Thompson said. “You’ve got your goal, 27 for the season, you’re on a booking and you do this. The thing about it for me is, you’re right in front of the Rangers fans – go and celebrate with your own supporters. It was stupidity of the highest order. You incite the trouble from supporters, it was stupid.”

TBR’s view – Was red card harsh for Morelos, or was it deserved?

As aforementioned, Morelos was guilty of a number of late tackles that eventually saw him booked for a studs up challenge. He was lucky not to have already been on a yellow card prior to his first booking.

But Morelos should feel hard done by for being sent off for his celebration. Steven Gerrard said after the match that the referee could not wait to send the striker off, and certainly, his actions were more out of frustration rather than trying to anger Well fans.

Perhaps harsh, but ultimately, Morelos probably deserved a red card after getting lucky not to have been yellow carded prior to his first booking.